IPL 2020: The upcoming season of the Indian Premier League has been surrounded by a lot of doubts and concerns because of the outbreak of Coronavirus all over the world. As of Wednesday, the total number of coronavirus infected people in India has risen to 62.
A closed-door IPL seemed like a real possibility as Maharashtra State Cabinet has decided to impose a ban on the sale of tickets in order to prevent crowd gathering and stop coronavirus from spreading. The government sources said:
“The move is more of a precaution to stop the virus from spreading,”
Now as per the latest updates, a top source from BCCI revealed that no foreign player will be available for this year’s IPL till April 15 because of visa restrictions imposed by the government to prevent the coronavirus outbreak.
“The foreign players who play in the IPL come under the Business Visa category. As per the government’s directive, they can’t come till April 15,”
More than 60-odd overseas recruits won’t be available till April 15 and the tournament is stated to begin without them. However, the fate of the IPL itself is yet to be decided at the IPL’s Governing Council that will take place on March 14. The source revealed:
“All decisions will be taken by the GC in Mumbai,”
Further he “Details of Visas Granted by India” manual issued by the Ministry of Home Affair states:
“Foreign nationals who are engaged in commercial sports events in India on a contract (including coaches) like Indian Premier League, Indian Soccer League, etc. with remuneration. They may be granted ‘B-Sports’ Visa with multiple entry facility for 13 appropriate periods. Such a foreign national shall comply with all the statutory obligations like payment of taxes, etc.”
Talking about how postponing the event isn’t an option, the source said: “The Future Tours Program is such that if the IPL is postponed, most of the marquee foreign players might not be available as after this April-May, there isn’t any window available. All other teams have bilateral commitments. At best, we can have it closed doors,”
